Where will the latest innovations in wayfinding technology take us?

A pioneering spirit and a sense of adventure are attributes that serve business leaders well. But knowing where you want to go, how to get there, and what to expect en route helps us make better decisions about our journeys, be they metaphorical or literal.

As cities grow and buildings become increasingly complex; with the growing use of smartphones and other digital devices, digital wayfinding has become a crucial aspect of modern navigation. It refers to the use of technology to help people find their way in various environments, encompassing both outdoor and indoor spaces.

Here, we look at the different applications of this technology across a range of environments, and explore how businesses can avoid getting left behind.

Touchscreen Kiosks

Touchscreen kiosks are stand-alone devices that provide wayfinding information to users. They are often found in public spaces such as shopping centres, airports, and museums, and typically present a large, easy-to-use touchscreen that displays information about the surrounding area, including: directions, maps, and point-of-interest (POI) data. Some kiosks also offer additional features, such as real-time information on public transportation, weather forecasts, and local events.

One of the main benefits of touchscreen kiosks is that they are accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they have a smartphone. They also provide a large and clear display that can be easier to use than a smaller smartphone screen, and offers greater accessibility for users with disabilities. Furthermore, touchscreen kiosks can be customised to match the look and feel of a particular location, making them a visually appealing addition to public spaces, and offering branding and marketing opportunities to the owners of the location and associated businesses.

Mobile applications

Mobile applications are another popular wayfinding tool. There are many navigation apps available that provide turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and other information that can help users find their way in unfamiliar locations. Some of the most popular navigation apps include: Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps.

The main advantage of mobile applications is that they are always with you and can be used anywhere, at any time. Like touchscreen kiosks, they also offer a wide range of features, including 3D maps, and the ability to search for nearby POIs. Most navigation apps are free and can be downloaded from app stores, making them easily accessible to everyone.

Outdoor wayfinding

Outdoor wayfinding refers to the use of technology to help people find their way in outdoor environments, such as parks, cities, and tourist destinations. Outdoor wayfinding solutions typically include digital signs, maps, and GPS-enabled devices.

Digital signs are an effective way to provide wayfinding information in outdoor spaces. They can be placed at key locations, such as intersections or tourist attractions, and display real-time information on directions, weather conditions, and local events. Some digital signs also offer interactive features, such as touch screens and QR codes, to provide an immersive experience and additional information to users.

GPS-enabled devices, such as smartphones, are also commonly used for outdoor wayfinding. They provide turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and other information that can help users find their way in unfamiliar locations. Additionally, some GPS devices are specifically designed for outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, and offer features like topographic maps and the ability to track your location in real-time.

Indoor wayfinding

There are two main technologies used for indoor wayfinding: Bluetooth and RFID. Harnessing their power can make it significantly easier for users to navigate indoor environments, such as shopping centres, hospitals, airports, and leisure centres.

The wireless nature of Bluetooth makes it ideal for indoor wayfinding. Small devices called Bluetooth beacons are placed throughout a building, providing real-time location-based information to users via their smartphones. The beacons send signals to nearby smartphones, which can then display information such as turn-by-turn directions, floor plans, and nearby POIs. Bluetooth beacons are particularly useful in large indoor spaces where traditional signage may not be easily visible.

RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track people and objects. Practical applications include: the attachment of an RFID tag to shopping carts or luggage to provide real-time information about their location, and prevent theft and loss; or tracking the location of a user in real-time to provide them contextual turn-by-turn directions and information about nearby POIs as they approach them.

The future of wayfinding

Digital wayfinding has many benefits over traditional navigation methods, such as paper maps, static signposts, and verbal directions. It provides real-time information that is more accurate and up-to-date than traditional methods. Additionally, digital wayfinding solutions can be customised to meet the specific needs of different environments, and tailored to user preferences, showing, for example: the quickest direct routes, undercover routes, routes without stairs, routes via POIs, and much more.

By providing clear and accurate information, digital wayfinding can reduce frustration and help people find their way more comfortably and efficiently. Solutions can also provide environment owners with valuable insights into how people navigate and interact with their surroundings, which can be used to improve the design of public spaces.

Digital wayfinding can also be integrated with other technologies, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, to create an even more immersive and interactive experience. For example: augmented reality wayfinding can display information about a person's surroundings in real-time using their smartphone camera, providing a richer experience with opportunities to explore details about objects and spaces, while simultaneously making it easier for them to find their way and discover new POIs. Integrating with building management systems can also provide real-time information about emergency exits and evacuation routes in the event of a fire or other emergency, offering benefits that can literally be lifesaving.

Many digital wayfinding solutions are designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, such as those who are visually or hearing impaired. Features like audio cue and Braille displays make navigation easier for people with disabilities, and provide a safer, more inclusive experience.

This versatile technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we navigate in public and private spaces, and is increasingly becoming a must-have for organisations looking to make user and visitor experiences more enjoyable, informative, and memorable.

If you'd like to find out more about digital wayfinding and where it could take your business, get in touch today https://www.dotfive.co.uk/info/contact

Integrating digital wayfinding solutions with building management systems can provide real-time information about emergency exits and evacuation routes in the event of a fire or other emergency, offering benefits that can literally be lifesaving.